King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 12:33 Mean?

“Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart. expert: or, rangers of battle, or, ranged in battle keep: or, set the battle in array not: Heb. without a heart and a heart”

Context

31

And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

32

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

33

Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart. expert: or, rangers of battle, or, ranged in battle keep: or, set the battle in array not: Heb. without a heart and a heart

34

And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.

35

And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **Expert in war . . .** *Marshalling* (or ordering) *battle with all kinds of weapons of war, and falling into rank* (*la’adōr*, forming in line) without a double heart. The expression “falling into rank” occurs only here and in 1Chronicles 12:38. Nine MSS. read instead “ helping “ (*la’zōr*), and the LXX. and Vulg. so translate. The Syriac has “to make war with those who disputed the sovranty of David.” The phrase “falling into rank without a heart and a heart,” asserts the unwavering fidelity and resolute courage of these warriors of Zebulun (comp. Psalm 12:3, “a speech of smooth things with heart and heart they speak”; they think one thing and say another; are double-minded). The number of warriors assigned to Zebulun and Naphtali has been thought surprising, because these tribes “never played an important part in the history of Israel” (comp., however, Judges 5:18). The numbers here given are, at all events, not discordant with those of Numbers 1:31; Numbers 1:43; Numbers 26:27; Numbers 26:50.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 12:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 12:33

Psalms 12:2
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John 1:47
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Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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